The main emphasis is a contemplative approach to sharing the Dhamma. We provide an opportunity for families and young people to gather and explore ways of living and the Buddha’s teaching through formal practice, creativity, being in the natural environment and bycultivating an atmosphere of intimacy, inclusion and friendship.

The events are run in unison with parents who attend the events and members of the Amaravati sangha.

The five Buddhist precepts are used as a guiding principle and agreement on how we’re going to live and be together, fostering a sense of safety and community. We welcome people of all faiths at our family weekends and camp.

The events take place at Amaravati Buddhist Monastery's Retreat Center.

The monastery is an active multinational Buddhist community rooted in the teachings of Ajahn Chah and Ajahn Sumedho, monks of the Thai Forest tradition. If you are interested in understanding more about the monastery and the teachings of this tradition, the monastery website is a good place to start – www.amaravati.org

Evening Puja, Family Camp 2017

“I think at the heart of the Family Camp has been the experience of community, both for parents and children.

One of our precious Family Camp songs is We Are All One Family, and although this is ostensibly about the human race, it feels very much also about the extended family of families who come to spend time together at a Buddhist monastery.”

Dan – family camper.

Puja giggles, Family Camp 2017

Pindapat, Family Camp 2017

WHEN 40 OR 50 FAMILIES GATHER AND LIVE TOGETHER FOR A WEEK (IMPERFECT HARMONY) IT SHOWS ANOTHER WORLD IS POSSIBLE

What is a typical day like?

A mixture of quiet and noise, good company, friendship, time to reflect, activities to do and time to explore. On the family retreats, all the generations are represented from the very young to the not so young and all shades in between. The days are not silent, though there is space set aside for quiet meditation and reflection. We share the space, the tasks such as housekeeping, washing up and learn also simply by seeing what comes up in this shared environment and how we react to that. The quiet open beauty of the monastery immediately creates a sense of spaciousness; for the children who have space to play and explore and for the parents who have the space to explore this living practice.

Amaravati Family Events

The Amaravati Family events website - information, booking forms and resources relating to Rainbows Weekend, June Weekend, Family Camp, Young Person's Retreat and the Creative weekend run at the Amaravati Monastery Retreat Centre in the UK